Despite ending up at Tottenham Hotspur rather than Manchester United, Mateus Fernandes has revealed that United captain Bruno Fernandes has long been one of his footballing idols.
The 21-year-old drew heavy interest this summer following a standout season at West Ham, with Manchester United among the clubs chasing his signature, while Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham also tracked his situation closely.
Reports had suggested a move to Old Trafford was initially his preference, but United balked at West Ham’s asking price, giving Tottenham the opening they needed. Spurs eventually struck an £85 million agreement after United opted not to match it.
Now set for a fresh start in north London, Fernandes admitted that lining up alongside Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford would have been something of a dream, given how much he admires the Portuguese international.
Speaking after joining Tottenham, Fernandes said he was thrilled about the move and made clear that head coach Roberto De Zerbi was what ultimately swayed his decision. He described feeling very happy about this next step, noting his familiarity with the city and country, and said conversations with the manager convinced him Tottenham was the right fit — De Zerbi’s vision and the club’s ambitions were the biggest factors behind his choice.
He also said the way De Zerbi spoke with him and his family left a lasting impression, showing the level of belief the coach has in him and making the decision far easier — adding that he’s looking forward to reconnecting with the manager, meeting the fans, and giving his all for the club.
The midfielder went on to praise De Zerbi’s man-management, calling him the kind of coach every player needs — not just for his tactical knowledge, but for his ability to push players to their peak. He said he fully believes in both the manager and the project at Tottenham.
Fernandes closed by saying he’s ready for the challenge of representing one of England’s biggest clubs, insisting this is exactly what he’s worked toward throughout his career, and that he’s excited to play for an ambitious club under a manager focused on winning trophies.
